Weaknesses: Original bladder closure was a "push-on", which is difficult to close when full without spilling liquid. Replaced with newer version and all is right with the world!

Bottom Line:

For short hauls through the woods and inline skating a great way to carry your liquids. If you are an inline skater as well as MTBer, it works great at night on city skates. Lights up like a Christmas tree when car lights hit it! You will be seen with no problem!

I'm one of the few people who uses a camelback during a race.A friens of mine gave the advice.Sometimes i hear people say that they are afraid to get their water bottle, because if they do they'll get passed by another racer.

Weaknesses: Makes my back sweat more, but just use the icebak option when really hot.

Bottom Line:

This is a great hydration system for short to medium rides except when it gets really hot than you can run out of H2O quickly like I did on the trails once. This sure is better than the old water bottle, which I only use for energy drinks now. But for my short road rides and inline skating it is perfect.If I do a quick trail ride it is fine too. Illuminite is great for night or early morning rides.Been pretty durable for me and I'm rough on my stuff.

Weaknesses: cheap construction - just like other Camelbak products I've used, this one started falling apart after about 6 months. The mesh backing has ripped away from the black nylon material, so there;s a big hole in the back. I'm not pleased.bladder is too small

Bottom Line:

I've looked at the Razorbak; it looks to be a little more durable, but who knows? I'm going to invest in a Mountainsmith instead. I have a mountainsmith backpack and the thing is just bullet-proof. Has any one out there tried a M-smith hydration pack?

This has got to be the very best waterpack system in the world for mtb racers and cross-country skiers.I`ve been riding and skiing with my Aerobak all winter long and not a single time has the water freezed. Not even when it has been -20 Celsius outside and I`ve been sporting for two hours.If you want the liqued to stay warm or cool, it will stay warm or cool.The Aerobak fits on anyone,anytime,anyplace.You don`t need any stuppied light on the back of your bike because the whole back and front of the Aerobak is made of a reflecting material.The Aerobak is a winner.

Overall Rating:

Submitted by
Fritz
a racer
from Woodland Park, CO

Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998

Bottom Line:

I love the aerobak. It rules. If you put it under your jersey you forget it's there after a few minutes. Sometimes it bounces up and hits me in the neck, but it's not that bad. I use it for cross-country. Is this 50 words or what? That is the faggiest rule! Sometimes products don't take 50 words!

Overall Rating:

Submitted by
Kyle R.
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX

Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998

Bottom Line:

The fit is very comfortable and I've also found it useful for running and roller blading as well. However, in this summer's Texas heat, I've found that 50 oz. does not go very far, so the Aeroback is best when used for short rides or to supplement water bottles. The strap is very comfortable and on rough terrain, you hardly realize that it's there. Another plus is that the water stays cool for long periods of time. Final drawbacks are that the water in the tube warms up, so ti takes a second to get to the cool water, and that the valve can be tough to suck the water out. Overall, I really like, though my buddies would reccommend that you go with The Mule.